Grand Forks AFB welcomes Air Force JROTC Flight Academy

Members of the Air Force Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps Flight Academy listen to a briefing about the RQ-4 Global Hawk mission July 13, 2018, on Grand Forks Air Force Base, North Dakota. The AFJROTC Flight Academy, Chief of Staff Private Pilot Scholarship program is a collaborative effort between the aerospace industry and the Air Force to address a national pilot shortage. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Ryan Sparks)

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. James Gulick, 319th Operations Support Squadron air traffic control journeyman, describes the air space controlled by the 319th OSS July 13, 2018, on Grand Forks Air Force Base, North Dakota. Members of the Air Force Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps Flight Academy toured Grand Forks AFB to gain a better understanding of the aviation field. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Ryan Sparks)

The 319th Air Base Wing hosted members of the Air Force Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps Flight Academy July 13, 2018, on Grand Forks Air Force Base, N.D.

The Air Force JROTC Flight Academy, Chief of Staff Private Pilot Scholarship program is a collaborative effort between the aerospace industry and the Air Force to address a national pilot shortage. The goal of the program is to encourage high school youth toward a career in aviation. The members of the AFJROTC appreciated the opportunity to see into the aviation field.

“It has definitely sparked my interest in joining military aviation,” said Edwin Uglum, AFJROTC cadet. “It’s inspiring seeing men in uniform doing their jobs and I hope to join them one day.”

The Flight Academy members were able to get a first-hand look at mission of Grand Forks AFB and gain a better understanding of aviation in the United States Air Force.

The Air Force has committed to funding the program for 250 students in 2019, and 500 in 2020.